The Counseling & Testing Center is celebrating the National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) on Thursday, October 10, 2013. Depression, anxiety, related mood disorders cannot be seen on an x-ray. Yet mental illness is painful, and the stigma associated with it often prevents many from seeking help. We want to bring down the barriers of stigma through education and community involvement. We know that there is hope and that connectedness is a powerful medicine.

Whether for depression or another mental health issue, a screening will help you to better understand your state of mind and whether it might be in your interest to seek further help. We'll be offering free and confidential screenings from 12:30-2:30pm at the Leadership Lab, (next to Student Life @ the Campus Center). Also, you can take a free, anonymous, self-assessment for depression, anxiety, and more, without even leaving their dorm room or apartment, anytime, by visiting our online screening portal: http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/andrews

In addition to completing a screening online on in person, you can become involved in these activities we have planned. Look for them in front of the Campus Center from 12:30-2:30pm:

Hope. Share a message of hope with others. Let others know how you keep yourself healthy or the benefits of seeking help. We'll display a collage at the Campus Center. Also, if you want to, we'll take your picture and share your inspiration through Instagram (#AUStandsForHope).

Get a hug. Look for one of our volunteers with a "Free Hugs" signs and open your arms and get some love.

Create. Stop by our T-shirt station and design your own t-shirts with messages of hope that encourage others to seek help. You can also get creative with sidewalk chalk to raise awareness about depression, share your inspiration, and motivate others to seek help.

Reflect. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students. Most of us can think of someone that has been impacted by the loss of a friend or a loved one due to depression and suicide. We'll offer a space to reflect and honor their memory. You’ll be able to plant a flag in memoriam.

Pray. Do you have a prayer request for yourself or for a friend? You'll be able to write them down and we'll have volunteers who will be praying for these requests. You are welcomed to join in prayer for others for as long as you want.

There will be many ways to become involved. Come, show your support, and raise awareness about depression. There is hope!